The initial six proposed stops for Ohio's could become booming transportation and activity hubs, according to the (ORDC) and the --> --> --> (ODOT).
Planners for both agencies have been studying the growth of multi-modal transit centers and transit-oriented development around stops on existing passenger rail lines.
At one such stop, along the three-year-old, 97-mile long New Mexico Rail Runner Express, Bernalillo County commissioners have approved plans to transform Albuquerque's International Sunport station area into a mixed-use district offering employment and retail opportunities, housing, and other community amenities.
And in Maine, a plan has emerged for a $100 million private redevelopment of a former textile mill adjacent to the newly-opened $2.5 million Saco transportation center, which serves as a station stop for the Amtrak Downeaster.
"When we see the kind of development of stations and the core areas around them in places like Albuquerque and Saco, Maine, it gives us confidence we will see a revival of core urban and town centers where trains will stop along the 3C Corridor," said ORDC executive director Matt Dietrich.
While awaiting word on $564 million in federal stimulus funds for "Quick Start", representatives from ORDC and ODOT have been meeting with leaders from the cities of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Sharonville to discuss future development around their stations.
If the stimulus funding is approved, trains could be running by the first quarter of 2010.
The rail service, which would travel at 79 mph along existing rail lines, is seen as key to building the Ohio Hub high-speed rail network throughout the state, connected to other networks throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and southern Canada.
Bernalillo County/International Sunport Station area rendering courtesy of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Previous reading on BC:
State rail group recommends DMUs for 3C 'Quick Start' (12/2/09)
State, county organizations support passenger rail (10/5/09)
Report: 3C 'Quick Start' could save Ohioans $36M per year, pay off in five years (9/29/09)
Caution, communication needed in 3C Corridor choices (8/6/09)
Cincinnati EDC to consider support for Ohio passenger rail service (2/23/09)
Monday, December 7, 2009
State rail agencies studying development around six 'Quick Start' stations
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6 comments:
Why does sharonville need a station? If Cincy has one, isn't that kind of killing the speed of travel by having another stop 5 miles outside the city?
BDRUF,
You're missing the point. Cincy has always been the optional station. That's why state officials didn't bat an eye about tanking it when the Bortzes pitched a fit.
Strickland needs growing ridership if his pet project is to succeed. To get it, 3C has to serve high-growth areas like Mason, West Chester, Fairfield, etc.
Sharonville already has quality rails, and happens to be smack-dab in the center of every growing population center in the region. Folks can get to it quickly from I75, I275, and there's plenty of room for parking. Plus there's developable land available for TOD, if you believe in that myth.
Sharonville itself isn't the destination. It's just the least hassle place for most people to catch the train.
Arn Bortz and those east siders don't know what they are even talking about. I'm guessing they think a 45 year old gp-30 spewing black smoke is going to be used for the 3-c train and not modern genesis locomotives. These people really should visit cities where passenger stations are right near downtown locations where new condos, hotels and parks are and see how well it works there.
I agree with Mark on the idea that Sharonville would be a good location for a park and ride station. It would be a convenient location for suburbanites to catch the train, while urban residents could walk or take mass transit to our urban station, whether at Lunken or Union Terminal.
You can't get to anything in Sharonville without a car so its kind of ironic they will have a station.
Isn't it redundant to say you can there there by expressway? (which you can't really because its always gridlocked with accidents)
Thats everything thats wrong with it.
What the hell do you do when you get off the train?
Meanwhile downtown is walkable or after opening day 2011 you'll take the streetcar
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